Event Gallery

MOE Ideas Festival 2026: "EMPOWER's Spotlight on Transformative Research in Early Development" was held on 6th March 2026 showcasing our three key projects:

Exhibit 1: " Science of Learning "

Identifies neural hallmarks of effective teacher–child interactions that shape executive function development and school readiness in both typically developing children and those at risk for ASD or ADHD.

Exhibit 2: "Brain Beats: Rhythms of Learning "

Advance digital learning through live, contingent interaction studies and a personalised avatar that mitigates the “video deficit” for young learners.

Exhibit 3: "The Playpod Technology "

Highlights the Playpod project, a community-based, scalable screening tool from the Wellcome LEAP 1kD programme and Temasek Foundation, designed to support healthy infant brain development through accessible, play-based assessments and early identification of developmental needs.

The event welcomed guests from various organisations, institutes, schools, and the general public.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Ministry of Education (MOE)
Ministry of Education - Corporate Research Office (MOE - CRO)
National Research Foundation (NRF), Singapore
Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSSS)
National Institute of Education (NIE)
Victoria Junior College (VJC)
The University of Sydney (USYD)
Nanyang Technological University
- College of Humanities, Arts and Socials (COHASS)
- School of Art, Design and Media (ADM)
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI)

Day 2 - NTU x IRCN Joint Scientific Workshop: Neurointelligence in Development: From Circuits to Cognition

The workshop brought together researchers in developmental neuroscience and computational science to explore how neural circuits, plasticity, and network dynamics support the emergence of cognitive function during development. It highlighted complementary perspectives from IRCN and NTU on topics such as critical periods, circuit maturation, brain-wide dynamics, and computational or embodied models of cognition.

It aimed to connect mechanistic insights with predictive frameworks and encourage new collaborations around shared methods, datasets, and translational questions. The workshop included presentations by IRCN and NTU faculty as well as a poster session featuring research from EMPOWER and IRCN. Interactive scientific booths and guided tours of EMPOWER’s PlayPod provided attendees with hands-on experiences.

Day 1 - EMPOWER Retreat 2026

This retreat brought the team together to align on shared goals, strengthen working relationships, and recharge collectively. The day featured a blend of strategy sessions, collaborative discussions, and team-building activities designed to reinforce synergies and leave staff feeling energized and equipped with clear goals for the year ahead.

EMPOWER Festival

AI Empowering Child Development - Day 2: Public Science Exhibition was held in Keppel Centre for Art Education, National Gallery Singapore on 23rd Aug 2025 with 3,915 who visited our various booth.